Review: Deschutes Brewery Hop Henge Experimental IPA (2010)

Part of Deschutes’ Bond Street series, Hop Henge IPA is in limited release through April, a strong beer (8.75 percent alcohol) with even stronger hop content. “Several pounds” of hops go into each barrel of this beer, with crystal, pale, and carastan malts dropped into the mix.

The result is intense and challenging: Very bitter up front with a bittersweet finish, all with a thick, oily consistency. Citrus character all around (which plays well with the copper color), plus pine forest-like notes here and there, very fitting considering the beer’s Oregon heritage.

From a balance standpoint I think Hop Henge is a little lacking — it feels a little like two beers mixed together rather than a cohesive whole. Something I can drink, sure, but I think Deschutes can refine this experiment a bit further…